‘Teens invited to watch gay murder’

Cape Town - A 28-year-old man from Belle Vista, near Ceres, is to return to court on Thursday in connection with the murder of David Olyn – a gay man.

Police spokesman Andre Traut said on Thursday that the man was arrested on Sunday after 21-year-old Olyn was tortured and killed.

“The man appeared in court on Tuesday on charges of murder,” said Traut.

“He was remanded and will appear again on April 3.”

Gay news website Mambaonline reported on Thursday that seven teenagers, ranging age from 14 to 18 and all from Belle Vista in Ceres, were drinking near a dam before a man allegedly invited them to watch how he was going to kill a “moffie”.

“The teens were urged to watch as the alleged attacker bashed Olyn on the head with a brick and jumped on his face,” Mambaonline reported.

Funeka Soldaat, founder of Free Gender, a human rights and black lesbian organisation, said the killing of Olyn marked a sad time for gays and lesbians.

“South Africa is a scary place for gays and lesbians to be,” she said.

“It is disturbing to hear the way in which people are killed because of their sexual orientation. Sadly, homophobia will never go away.”

Soldaat has appealed to political parties to invest more money in raising awareness of homophobia.

“I am concerned about the future of our communities if we continue to harbour so much hate.

“Homosexuality will never go away.”

The Justice Department would monitor the case, its regional head, Hishaam Mohamed, said.

“We are confident that all processes will get followed and justice will prevail,” Mohamed said.

“The department strongly condemns all acts of violence against gays and lesbians.”